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5 tree(s) planted in memory of James Kittner
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Gary Price , Barbara Brafman-Price and family planted 3 trees in memory of James Kittner
Sunday, September 22, 2024
3 trees were planted in memory of
James N. Kittner
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With all our love during this difficult time . Rest in Peace Jim , Gary Price , Barbara Brafman Price , James , Olivia and Thomas xoxo Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Shawn Garlinger lit a candle
Friday, November 15, 2024
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What a great man who will be missed.
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Marietta O'Malley uploaded photo(s)
Monday, September 30, 2024
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Doing what he loved best!
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Tom O’Malley uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 27, 2024
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Pals Forever❤️
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Marietta O’Malley uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 26, 2024
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One of many meals shared with family ❤️
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Duke Kittner posted a condolence
Thursday, September 26, 2024
MY BIG BROTHER
The story goes when my mom told my brother that he was going to be a big brother he told mom “I want a brother and name him Duke”! A sister wouldn’t work for Jim! The name stuck! Growing up most people didn’t know my real name.
From as back as I can remember as a kid, I thought my brother was so cool. He would “teach” me things about sports like how to play tackle football in our living room, basketball games in the driveway, baseball in the backyard. I would think WOW my big brother is being so great “teaching me all those things. Little did I realize I was the guy he used to tackle, knock down, and hit with a fast ball as many times as he could!
But what he always did was pick me up, make sure I was okay, and we’d do it again for hours until we got tired, but we got better at it, and he taught me about sports.
Some of my best memories of growing up were going to Corning. Every weekend our parents would put us in the car and go. Jim always acted like he had something better to do before we left. Boy he sure seemed to have fun when we got there though! The walkers were like having another mom and dad, and 4 more brothers and a sister! All the world’s problems were solved every weekend!
He lived with the Walkers as he “honed” his education in college. I was SO proud of my big brother but soon I was devastated when my best friend was gone. I was 11.
He came home after he realized he was not cut out for higher education! We picked right up where we left off except, we were bigger, stronger, and smarter. Our bond grew tighter. We would always tease, laugh at, make fun of each other but all it did was bring us closer together.
As we became adults, and life took us on our paths, we were never far apart. We played softball for decades together. We hung out together, we knew how each thought and what each other would do without even saying a word!
I guess if I had to use one word to describe my brother it would be “Unique”! Anyone that remotely knew him I think would agree! He would tell anyone what ever he thought that would NOT make them feel sad or mad. He was a lot of things to a lot of people in life but I promise you, he always wanted everyone happy.
The thing I can tell is this,
I am so proud of him, and he will ALWAYS be
My teacher
My coach
A cool cat
my big brother
And My BEST friend.
Save me a seat, brother!
P
Paul Kielich posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Hi Kathy, this is Paul (Kielich) and I considered Jim a dear friend. We worked together for over ten years at the town of Aurora, in parks. Everywhere I go I see the spirit of Jim in the projects we undertook. Here are just a few examples. When I see red fire hydrants I remember our time on that job. He loved maintaining and grooming the towns baseball diamonds, when I see a diamond, I see Jim. We installed a lot of fencing in the parks, and I see Jim actively engaged in the project. The tractor I currently use is the same one Jim used to cut grass. There even is a coffee stain still present on the seat when he was trying to do two things at once. The essence and spirit of Jim is with me every day and will be for the rest of my life. Rest in Peace Dear Friend, Paul
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Duke Kittner posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
MY BIG BROTHER
The story goes when my mom told my brother that he was going to be a big brother he told mom “I want a brother and name him Duke”! A sister wouldn’t work for Jim! The name stuck! Growing up most people didn’t know my real name.
From as back as I can remember as a kid, I thought my brother was so cool. He would “teach” me things about sports like how to play tackle football in our living room, basketball games in the driveway, baseball in the backyard. I would think WOW my big brother is being so great “teaching me all those things. Little did I realize I was the guy he used to tackle, knock down, and hit with a fast ball as many times as he could!
But what he always did was pick me up, make sure I was okay, and we’d do it again for hours until we got tired, but we got better at it, and he taught me about sports.
Some of my best memories of growing up were going to Corning. Every weekend our parents would put us in the car and go. Jim always acted like he had something better to do before we left. Boy he sure seemed to have fun when we got there though! The walkers were like having another mom and dad, and 4 more brothers and a sister! All the world’s problems were solved every weekend!
He lived with the Walkers as he “honed” his education in college. I was SO proud of my big brother but soon I was devastated when my best friend was gone. I was 11.
He came home after he realized he was not cut out for higher education! We picked right up where we left off except, we were bigger, stronger, and smarter. Our bond grew tighter. We would always tease, laugh at, make fun of each other but all it did was bring us closer together.
As we became adults, and life took us on our paths, we were never far apart. We played softball for decades together. We hung out together, we knew how each thought and what each other would do without even saying a word!
I guess if I had to use one word to describe my brother it would be “Unique”! Anyone that remotely knew him I think would agree! He would tell anyone what ever he thought that would NOT make them feel sad or mad. He was a lot of things to a lot of people in life but I promise you, he always wanted everyone happy.
The thing I can tell is this,
I am so proud of him, and he will ALWAYS be
My teacher
My coach
A cool cat
my big brother
And My BEST friend.
Save me a seat, brother!
J
Josh Kittner posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
It is a near impossible task to write a tribute to my father. His impact on the life of his family, friends and the broader communities that he lived in, is simply too immense to state within the time allocated.
However, as he always said, “as long as you try your best.” So, here’s my best.
***
It is often said that art is how we decorate space, and music is how we decorate time. Over the course of the past few weeks, we played some of the music that my father loved. And as we listened to that music, several of his favorites touched upon lessons that he imparted to us. Others were helpful in how to process our loss. In true Dad fashion, he was teaching and coaching us to the very end.
Track 1:
“when the stars ain’t shinin bright, you feel like you’ve lost your way. When those candle lights of home burn so very far away. Well, you got to let your soul shine.”
- The Allman Brothers Band, from the song, “Soulshine”
In today’s world, there is a lot of talk about being your authentic self. My Dad was a beacon of authenticity, he lived life unapologetically true to himself. His raw honesty was a gift, a reminder to us all that it's okay to feel deeply and proved that being tough and being emotional are not mutually exclusive; his strength was amplified by his vulnerability. He never missed an opportunity to express his love for those he cared about, and that love shone through in every interaction. My Dad is leaving a legacy of acceptance and emotional connection that will continue to inspire us all.
However, I would caution that being your authentic self should have some limits. My Dad’s propensity for conducting yard work or greeting guests in his boxers really pushed that boundary of what is acceptable.
Track 2:
"Before you cross the street, take my hand. Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." This lyric from "Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon, encourages a balance between planning for the future and embracing the spontaneity of life. It's a reminder to be present, adaptable, and open to the unexpected joys and challenges that life inevitably brings.
My Dad’s journey was not without its hardships; His body bore the scars of years of hard work, sacrificing his comfort to be able to provide for his family, building beautiful homes. He suffered unimaginable loss.
Yet, even in the face of such profound sorrow, Dad's spirit eventually persevered. His heart remained open to the beauty the world still offered.
When my Dad and Kathy eventually found each other, it is a testament to the unexpected joys life can bring. Together they shared school events with my sister’s Colby, Kylie and Callan, sporting events and concerts, many delicious meals with friends and family, and spoiled their beloved grandchildren, Chloë and Lucas. Although sometimes I had a suspicion that Dad spoiled his dogs more than the grandkids.
Just as my Dad navigated life's unpredictable path with resilience and love, may we too embrace the journey, supporting one another through its twists and turns, and finding strength in the shared moments of joy and sorrow.
Track 3
“If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for a while”
Keep Me in Your Heart – Warren Zevon
As you entered the church today, you heard Warren Zevon, by Dad’s request. In Keep Me in Your Heart, Zevon writes about finding memories of loved ones in the mundane. Similarly, for me, my Dad’s essence will linger in the everyday – in the shared laughter during a beloved movie, when I go out and get an ice cream with my kids, or whenever I am in the presence of the comforting smell of a cup of morning coffee, particularly when the coffee is spilled in the car, as he often did. These ordinary moments are now imbued with extraordinary significance, reminding me of the joy he brought to our lives even in the smallest moments. As we all move forward, may we all find comfort in the echoes of his love that surround us. And when you have a moment, think of where you will find my Dad's memory and the everyday threads that connect you to him through time.
Track 4
“When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all,
I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough” Bridge over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
In closing, on behalf of our family, I want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you that has offered us support over the past days and weeks. Your presence, your kind words, and your shared memories of my Dad have been a source of immense comfort. Just as the song says,You have dried our tears, lifted our spirits, and reminded us that we are not alone. We will forever cherish your love for my Dad and the support you've shown us. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
J
Jos Brafman planted a tree in memory of James Kittner
Monday, September 23, 2024
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With our condolences. Rest in peace Jim .Warm regards Jose Brafman , Maria Cecilia Brafman Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Sarah Fiscus posted a condolence
Monday, September 23, 2024
Growing up living down the street and having Kylie as my best friend I got to have so many great memories with Jim. Some of my favorite memories of Mr.Kittner was him at our youth soccer games. He was our loudest lol and most excited fan. He was an incredible dad, husband and long time family friend. My heart is so heavy at your family’s loss and he will be deeply missed. Love you guys so much ❤️
-Sarah Fiscus
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John Demma posted a condolence
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Jim was my boss at americorps, he was a great guy, always treated other with respect
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Michael Bove posted a condolence
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Jim was a great asset and inspiration when I worked with him at the Town. Will miss that great laugh and smile!!
J
Joseph Orlowski posted a condolence
Sunday, September 22, 2024
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend. Baseball/Softball and kids were our deep connections. He was direct, giving and caring. To the family please accept my condolences. My prayers for God to comfort you. Kitty see you around the Diamonds.
Joe Orlowski
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Gayle Sprague posted a condolence
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Q: How did you meet James?
A: I was so blessed to meet Jim and Kathy when they were looking for a home We found the beautiful Log home that was their dream home. I am so blessed that we became such good friends. I will miss our Wednesday Wing nigts.
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Mike Evens posted a condolence
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Many memories of a man who was never in a bad mood. Many laughs with a man whose sense of humor, and passion for life was second to none. You will truly be missed by all of us at the highway department. Rest easy my friend.
Mike evens
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Woodhouse cousins Mike, Tom, Joan, Sue, Paul purchased flowers
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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Woodhouse cousins Mike, Tom, Joan, Sue, Paul
purchased the Gentle Blossoms Basket for the family of James Kittner.
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Sending love and comfort as you travel on to the Field of Dreams. With heartfelt condolences to all
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Sarah Round posted a condolence
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Jim has given me the greatest gift of a best friend and sister I never had by moving in next door to my parents some 25 years ago. As a little girl, I hopped over asking him if he had a daughter and there was Colby. Knowing him for so long, being a loving father, great husband and neighbor, he will be sadly missed.
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Amy Sullivan posted a condolence
Friday, September 20, 2024
Jim was such a big part of East Aurora Baseball & Softball. It was an honor to serve on the board for many years together. He was a good friend and good friend to our community. I will miss him dearly. Much love and comfort to his family.
A Memorial Tree was planted for James Kittner
Friday, September 20, 2024
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Cannan Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of James N. Kittner uploaded a photo
Friday, September 20, 2024
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Orchard Park
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
3155 Orchard Park Road
Orchard Park, New York
14127
Tel: (716) 675-9027
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James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
2397 Seneca Street
Buffalo, New York
14210
Tel: (716) 822-1773
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